With the 2nd week of NBA motion within the books, issues haven’t panned out as analysts predicted earlier than the season’s begin. Within the NBA Southwest Division, the assumed lottery-bound San Antonio Spurs are main the division standings at 5-2.
The pre-ordained entrance runners Memphis Grizzles are at present ranked third within the division rating at 4-2. Regardless of spectacular performances from Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks are close to the underside of the division. With Zion Williamson’s return from accidents, the New Orleans Pelicans are on the prime of the desk with the Spurs. Leaving the Houston Rockets on the backside of the rankings.
It’s unattainable to maintain up with all 5 groups on this aggressive division so here’s a recap of the week’s occasions for every staff within the NBA Southwest division.
NBA Southwest Division Rankings
fifth. Houston Rockets
The Rockets began the week off proper getting their first win of the season in entrance of their residence crowd in opposition to the Utah Jazz 114-108. Kevin Porter Jr led the staff in scoring with 26 factors. The Rockets would then go on to lose the subsequent three video games. The Jazz bought revenge within the subsequent recreation giving the Rockets a 109-101 defeat. The struggling Rockets squad fell to the Trailblazers 125-111 and the Suns 124-109 by the week’s finish.
They’ll be trying to flip issues round tonight in opposition to the Clippers. The Rockets are at present ranked final within the Western Convention.
4th. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks break up their 4 video games this week, two of which went into time beyond regulation. The primary recreation was the week was a loss to division rival the Pelicans. Regardless of Dončić’s 37-point triple-double efficiency, the Mavs fell quick 113-111. They had been in a position to bounce again the subsequent recreation in an time beyond regulation victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Dončić recorded one other triple-double main the staff with 41 factors, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. A 117-111 time beyond regulation loss to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder adopted within the first of back-to-back video games over the weekend. Unsurprisingly Dončić led the Mavs once more with one other triple-double recording 31 factors, 10 assists, and 16 rebounds. The Mavs ended the week with a 114-105 win over the Orlando Magic. Dončić took it simple on this recreation he scored 41 factors however no triple-double this time.
Being led by such a celebrity expertise you’d count on the Mavs report to be higher than .500, however their report at present stands at 3-3. They’re ranked tenth within the Western Convention and 4th within the Southwest Division.
third. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzles began the week sturdy with 2 wins, 134-124 in opposition to the Nets, and 125-110 in opposition to the Kings. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane each had 38 factors within the victory over the Nets. Bane led the cost in opposition to the Kings with 31 factors and Steven Adams recorded a double-double with 12 factors and 11 rebounds. They performed the primary of two video games in opposition to the Jazz on Saturday, developing quick 124-123. Tyus Jones bought a double-double with 23 factors and 10 assists, and Bane led the staff in scoring once more with 32 factors. The Grizzlies can have the chance for revenge tonight after they face the Jazz once more.
With a report of 4-2, the Grizzlies completed the week ranked sixth within the Western Convention and third within the Southwest Division
2nd. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans solely had three video games this week, the primary of which was a win in opposition to division rivals Dallas Mavericks 113-111. Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 22 factors but it surely was a real staff effort with 8 Pelican gamers with double digits. Jonas Valančiūnas led the Pelicans squad in opposition to the Phoenix Suns within the subsequent recreation with a double-double of 25 factors and 10 rebounds. Nevertheless, it wasn’t sufficient as a result of the Suns gained 124-111. To complete the week sturdy they smoked a Kawhi-less Clippers 112-91. CJ McCollum led with 22 factors, and Williamson recorded a double-double of 21 factors and 12 rebounds.
With a 4-2 report the Pelicans are ranked fifth within the Western Convention and 2nd within the Southwest Division.
1st. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs performed the Minnesota Timberwolves 3 instances this week. For the reason that NBA is making an attempt out these multiple-game sequence all through the season, let’s cowl the three video games individually from the opposite recreation in opposition to the Chicago Bulls. With the primary two video games in Minneapolis, The Spurs outran the Timberwolves within the first recreation. Devin Vassell led the Spurs squad with 23 factors and Jakob Poeltl had a 14-point, 14-rebound, double-double. Six Spurs gamers had been in double digits by the top of the sport. Within the second recreation, the Timberwolves gained 134-122. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 27 factors. Josh Ricardson and Poeltl had double-doubles. The Spurs gained the third recreation 107-98. Johnson led with 25 factors, and the Spurs roster was all the way down to solely 9 gamers by the top of the sport as a consequence of accidents and sickness.
Between the second and third video games within the Minnesota sequence, there was a recreation in opposition to the Bulls. Johnson led with 33 factors within the 129-124 victory. Throughout the first quarter, head coach Greg Popovich referred to as a timeout so the group may rejoice former Spurs star DeMar DeRozan crossing the 20,000-point mark in his profession.
The Spurs waived Guard Josh Primo on Friday as a consequence of sexual assault allegations, as of right now nobody claimed his contract and Primo is out of the NBA.
With a 5-2 report the Spurs are ranked third within the Western Convention and 1st within the NBA Southwest Division.